Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Kapil Sibal has raised serious concerns over what he described as the government’s increasing efforts to influence judicial appointments in India. At a public gathering, Sibal paid homage to the late Justice J.S. Verma, calling him one of the most respected and principled judges in the history of the Indian judiciary. Justice Verma, known for his landmark judgments and integrity, was remembered for upholding constitutional values and judicial independence during his tenure.
Sibal, who has long been vocal about maintaining the sanctity and autonomy of the judiciary, expressed alarm at what he sees as a strategic push by the executive to weaken the collegium system. He stated that the judiciary must remain free from external pressures to ensure justice is administered without fear or favor.
"The judiciary cannot be beholden to the government of the day. Justice Verma would never have tolerated any interference in judicial matters by the executive. Today, the same values he stood for are under threat," Sibal said. He added that any attempt to influence or control the appointment of judges is an attack on the foundational principles of democracy.
The comments come at a time when the central government has been openly critical of the collegium system, which allows senior judges to appoint judges to higher courts without government involvement. The government has repeatedly called for a more transparent and accountable process, but critics like Sibal argue that such moves are a veiled attempt to undermine judicial independence.
Sibal also pointed out that Justice Verma had resisted pressures from various quarters, even during politically sensitive times. His leadership, particularly in delivering judgments on constitutional morality, gender rights, and accountability, set benchmarks that continue to influence Indian jurisprudence.
The opposition has frequently accused the government of attempting to bring judicial appointments under executive control, especially through its push for the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 for being unconstitutional. Sibal reminded the audience that the court had upheld the collegium system precisely to guard against any possible executive overreach.
Several legal experts and opposition leaders echoed Sibal’s concerns, warning that any dilution of judicial independence could result in long-term harm to democratic institutions. They urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the judiciary rather than unilaterally altering processes.
In conclusion, Sibal’s tribute to Justice Verma served not only as a remembrance of a towering legal figure but also as a timely warning about the delicate balance of power between the judiciary and the executive. As debates over judicial reforms continue, calls for protecting the judiciary’s independence are growing louder across political and legal circles.
